Planning your big day and dreaming of a wedding that's as unique and fabulous as your love story? At Matthew Oliver Weddings, we're passionate about creating unforgettable celebrations, and a key ingredient to that is finding the perfect venue.
We've curated a collection of 30 of the UK's most luxurious and breathtaking wedding venues, so whether it’s a country house, London glamour or a historic castle, we’ve got you covered:
For the History Buffs (or those that just love Bridgerton!):
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire: This monumental 18th-century Baroque palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, offers sprawling lawns, glittering chandeliers, and enough history to make your head spin.
Why it’s Unique: Arrive in style by horse-drawn carriage!
- Castle Howard, Yorkshire: If you're after a fairytale setting, look no further. This magnificent 18th-century stately home has it all: breathtaking English countryside views, elegant rooms, and even a beautiful chapel for a truly romantic ceremony.
Why it’s Unique: Host your reception in the Grecian Hall, a masterpiece of architectural design.
- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: Calling all Jane Austen fans! This stunning 17th-century stately home is pure elegance. Just picture yourself twirling in those lavish interiors – you'll feel like royalty.
Why it’s Unique: Say your vows in the exquisite Painted Hall, adorned with stunning murals.
- Hever Castle, Kent: This romantic castle oozes history and charm, with its stunning Tudor architecture, portcullis entrance, and oak-panelled rooms. With beautiful gardens, including an Italian Garden with a classical Loggia overlooking the 38-acre lake, it's the perfect place to say "I do" and then celebrate with a lavish garden party.
Why it’s Unique: Arrive by boat across the lake for a truly grand entrance.
- Goodwood House, West Sussex: For a sophisticated and stylish affair, Goodwood House is the perfect choice. This elegant 17th-century country house boasts manicured lawns and stunning views of the South Downs, allowing you to have a classic country wedding with a touch of modern luxury.
Why it’s Unique: Host your reception in the magnificent ballroom, complete with a minstrel's gallery.
- Kensington Palace, London: Fancy getting hitched in the same place as royalty? This historic palace, home to generations of royals, offers a truly regal experience, with a choice of stunning state rooms or the beautiful Sunken Garden for your ceremony.
Why it’s Unique: Enjoy exclusive access to the King's Gallery, adorned with masterpieces from the Royal Collection.
Countryside Classics
- Heckfield Place, Hampshire: This beautifully restored Georgian country home is full of surprises! With its modern 5-star facilities set in a classic English country grounds, it's the perfect choice for couples who want a wedding that blends the old and the new.
Why it’s Unique: Enjoy a pre-wedding pampering session in the estate's luxurious spa, with a full range of relaxing spa experiences available.
- Babington House, Somerset: This stylish country house hotel is a favourite with celebrities, so you know it's going to be fabulous. With its beautiful interiors and stunning grounds, it's the perfect place to let your hair down and celebrate in style.
Why it’s Unique: Screen your favourite film in the hotel's private cinema for a unique wedding entertainment option.
- Cliveden House, Berkshire: With its stunning riverside setting and glamorous history, this Italianate mansion dating back to the 17th century is the epitome of luxury. It's the perfect choice for a grand and unforgettable wedding.
Why it’s Unique: Arrive by boat on the River Thames for a truly grand entrance.
- Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Nestled amidst 500 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside, this idyllic retreat offers a luxurious and tranquil setting for your wedding day. As well as the beautiful setting, the luxury hotel has a focus on well-being meaning it’s the perfect place to relax and celebrate with loved ones.
Why it’s Unique: Say "I do" in the charming outdoor gazebo, surrounded by fragrant blooms and views of the Hampshire countryside.
City Sophistication (for the urbanites and cocktail lovers):
- The Ned, London: This stylish hotel set in a former bank in the heart of London is perfect for a glamorous city wedding. With its multiple restaurants and bars, you can party the night away in style!
Why it’s Unique: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace, perfect for a glamorous drinks reception.
- One Marylebone, London: This unique venue, a Grade I listed former church dating back to the 19th century, offers a blend of history and contemporary elegance. Its rooftop terrace is perfect for drinks overlooking London’s famous skyline.
Why it’s Unique: Say your vows in the Soane Hall, a breathtaking space with soaring ceilings and original architectural details.
- Claridge’s Hotel, London: Step into a world of timeless elegance and unparalleled luxury at Claridge's, an iconic Mayfair institution since the 1800s. This Art Deco masterpiece is synonymous with sophistication, impeccable service, and a touch of old-world glamour.
Why it’s Unique: Have your wedding cake designed by the hotel's renowned pastry chef.
- The Dorchester, London: This iconic Art Deco hotel, built in the 1930s, needs no introduction. With its impeccable service and luxurious surroundings, it's the perfect choice for a truly lavish wedding.
Why it’s Unique: Dance the night away in the glamorous Ballroom, a masterpiece of Art Deco design.
- The Ritz, London: Step into a world of timeless elegance at The Ritz. This legendary hotel, opened in 1906, is the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, meaning your wedding here will be nothing short of spectacular.
Why it’s Unique: The iconic spiralstaircase makes for a show-stopping entrance.
- The Savoy, London: With its grand ballroom and stunning river views, The Savoy, a landmark hotel opened in 1889, is the perfect place to host a truly unforgettable wedding.
Why it’s Unique: Make a grand entrance by arriving at the hotel's private pier on the River Thames.
- Mandarin Oriental, London: This luxurious hotel in Knightsbridge, established in the early 20th century, offers a sophisticated setting for your big day. With its Michelin-starred restaurant and beautiful spa, you can indulge in some serious pampering before and after the wedding.
Why it’s Unique: Host your reception in the elegant Ballroom, with its stunning chandeliers and views of Hyde Park.
- Rosewood London: This stylish hotel in Holborn, housed in a Edwardian Belle Époque building from 1914, offers a contemporary take on luxury. Its grand courtyard is perfect for a relaxing drinks reception, which is amazingly just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden.
Why it’s Unique: Enjoy a romantic ceremony in the Mirror Room, a stunning space with mirrored walls and sparkling chandeliers.
- Syon House, London: This magnificent 16th-century house boasts a rich history, stunning interiors, and a breathtaking Great Conservatory. Imagine exchanging vows in a space filled with exotic plants and bathed in natural light.
Why it’s Unique: Dance the night away in the magical Great Conservatory, surrounded by lush greenery.
Something a Bit Different:
- Kew Gardens, London: Say your vows surrounded by exotic plants and flowers at Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history dating back to the 18th century. With a variety of beautiful glasshouses and gardens to choose from, you can create a truly unique and magical wedding day.
Why it’s Unique: Get married in the iconic Palm House, a Victorian masterpiece filled with tropical plants.
- The V&A Museum, London: Exchange vows surrounded by world-class art and design in this iconic Victorian museum. With a variety of stunning galleries and spaces to choose from, you can create a truly unique and sophisticated celebration.
Why it’s Unique: Host your reception in the stunning Raphael Gallery, surrounded by breathtaking Renaissance masterpieces.
- The Natural History Museum, London: Say "I do" under the watchful eye of a giant dinosaur skeleton in this awe-inspiring Victorian museum. With its grand architecture and fascinating exhibits, it's a truly unforgettable setting for a wedding.
Why it’s Unique: Dine and dance under the blue whale skeleton in the Hintze Hall for a truly magical experience.
- Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk: Escape to the Suffolk countryside and celebrate your love in this enchanting estate, complete with a private lake, woodland, and charming barns. With its focus on nature and sustainability, it's the perfect place for an eco-conscious wedding.
Why it’s Unique: Host a magical reception under the stars in the woodland clearing.
Scottish Delights
- Eilean Donan Castle, Highlands: This iconic 13th-century Scottish castle, perched on a tiny island where three lochs meet, offers a wildly romantic setting. With its dramatic history, imposing stone walls, and connections to Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae, it's a venue steeped in Highland legend.
Why it’s Unique: Arrive by boat to the castle's private jetty for a dramatic entrance.
- Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire: This luxury castle hotel on the Scotland's west coast, built in 1870, boasts stunning sea views. It's the perfect place to celebrate your love in style, with roaring fires, luxurious furnishings, and a romantic atmosphere.
Why it’s Unique: Take your wedding photos on the castle's helipad with stunning coastal views as your backdrop.
- Kinross House Estate, Perth and Kinross: Step back in time to the 17th century at this magnificent estate, often hailed as Scotland's finest country house. With its elegant architecture, manicured gardens, and stunning views over Loch Leven, Kinross House offers a grand and romantic setting for your wedding.
Unique Feature: Exchange vows in the opulent State Drawing Room, with its ornate plasterwork and period furnishings, or host a lavish reception in the grand ballroom, complete with a minstrel's gallery.
Welsh Wonders
- Ruthin Castle, Denbighshire: This historic castle, with parts dating back to the 13th century, offers a fairytale setting for your wedding. With its medieval features, luxurious accommodation, and stunning views of the Clwydian Range, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
Why it’s Unique: Hold your wedding banquet in the atmospheric Great Hall, complete with a roaring fireplace and suits of armour.
- Hotel Portmeirion, Gwynedd: This unique and colourful Italianate village, built in the 1920s, is a truly magical place to get married. With its whimsical architecture and stunning coastal setting, it's the perfect place to create a truly unforgettable day
Why it’s Unique: Enjoy an outdoor ceremony in the central piazza, surrounded by colourful buildings and beautiful gardens.
Coastal Chic
- Carbis Bay Estate, Cornwall: Say "I do" with the sand between your toes at this luxury coastal resort in Cornwall. With its own private beach, turquoise waters, and breathtaking views, it's the perfect setting for a romantic wedding by the sea.
Why it’s Unique: Exchange vows in the charming seaside chapel, followed by a champagne reception on the beach with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack.
- Burgh Island Hotel, Devon: Step back in time and experience the glamour of the Art Deco era at this iconic hotel on a private island. Built in the 1920s and frequented by celebrities and socialites, Burgh Island Hotel exudes a sense of timeless elegance and old-world charm.
Why it’s Unique: Hire the entire island for your wedding and enjoy exclusive use of the hotel, its beautiful grounds, and its stunning beach.
Need Help Planning your Luxury UK Wedding? We Can Help!
We hope this list has inspired you when thinking about your luxury wedding in the UK. Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process, and with so many incredible options across the country, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, your wedding venue sets the stage for your entire celebration, so take your time, explore your options, and most importantly, choose a place that reflects your unique style and love story.
And if you need a helping hand along the way, don't hesitate to get in touch with the UK luxury wedding planning team at Matthew Oliver Weddings. We’d be delighted to guide you through the journey of finding your dream venue and planning a celebration that's as special as you are.
